Alfred the Average? Court case coins may alter the view of a king

Treasure from Viking hoard shows Alfred the Great in alliance with ruler who later ‘mysteriously’ disappeared

He’s been known as Alfred the Great since the 16th century, celebrated for his wisdom, generosity and mercy.

But coins at the heart of a major heritage crime court case suggest we may have to rethink the ninth-century Anglo-Saxon king. “Alfred the Average?” suggested Det Supt Lee Gosling, who led the police operation which resulted in guilty verdicts for two men on Thursday.